Supreme Court Blocks Mail Voting Restrictions; Kennedy Center Faces Bankruptcy

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to impose new restrictions on mail-in voting prior to the midterm elections. The ruling ensures the U.S. Postal Service will continue processing ballots as usual. Voting by mail is already underway in several states, including Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, with additional states expected to begin soon. Election officials are urging eligible voters to check their state’s request deadlines and return completed ballots promptly.

In other political developments, Senator Bernie Sanders and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon are uniting for the “Pro-Human Assembly” in Washington, D.C., to advocate for congressional action on artificial intelligence regulation. While the two figures span opposite ends of the political spectrum, they aim to urge swift measures to curb AI’s impact. President Trump has dismissed these concerns, labeling the opposition to AI and data centers a “sick conspiracy” that would ultimately benefit China, a rival in the tech sector.

Meanwhile, the Kennedy Center’s board has announced that the iconic arts institution faces bankruptcy and could close as early as today. NPR obtained a document outlining this plan ahead of a scheduled board meeting, which coincides with a status hearing regarding a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty seeking to stop the renaming of the center in honor of President Trump. According to NPR’s Anastasia Tsioulcas, the board believes only Trump can raise sufficient funds to resolve the financial issues, arguing he deserves recognition on the building for that potential contribution. The institution has suffered from declining ticket sales, donations, and audience retention over the past year, with many artists and attendees citing increased politicization under Trump.

At the Emmys, Matthew Rhys made history by becoming the first actor to win lead performance awards in both limited series and comedy series categories in the same year, taking home trophies for “The Beast in Me” and “Widow’s Bay.” Rhea Seehorn won her first Emmy for her role in “Pluribus,” while Jean Smart secured her fifth consecutive lead comedy actress award for “Hacks.” Host Mariska Hargitay received praise for her energetic performance throughout the ceremony.

On the cultural front, Jewish communities worldwide celebrated Rosh Hashanah, marked by the traditional blowing of the shofar. Additionally, the Trump administration’s Justice Department is investigating Evanston, Illinois, over its pioneering reparations program. The department is joining a lawsuit alleging the program, which provides $25,000 grants to Black residents for historical housing discrimination, violates the Equal Protection Clause by restricting benefits based on race.